Crimes with “no associated threat, risk, harm or vulnerability” and no lines of inquiry will no longer be investigated by Police Scotland as part of a new pilot project.

The force announced the plans for the northeast region on Monday – citing cuts to its budget in recent years.

The Scottish government – which funds but has no operational control over the force – said it was “vital” it retains trust and relationships with communities.

In the announcement, police have said the pilot mirrors how officers worked in the Grampian region before the founding of Police Scotland – and stressed if any risk, harm or vulnerability is identified, “appropriate measures” will be taken.

An example of a crime where no action could be taken would be a theft from a garden without CCTV or eyewitness evidence.

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